Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will visit five European countries beginning April 26 to discuss such issues as the reconstruction of postwar Iraq, government officials said Wednesday.
Koizumi plans to visit Britain, Spain, France, Germany and Greece, where he will urge political leaders to seek international unity in the drive to rehabilitate and rebuild Iraq, the officials said.
He is to return to Japan on May 3.
Koizumi also hopes to discuss issues surrounding North Korea's alleged development of nuclear arms, the officials said.
In Greece, Koizumi is expected to attend a regular summit of the European Union on May 2 as an observer. He is also likely to hold bilateral meetings with some EU leaders.